A new domestic demining machine is being tested in Ukraine

A new Ukrainian-made demining machine is being tested in Ukraine. The machine was developed by Ukrainian engineers and is undergoing field trials to confirm its compliance with the requirements for use in humanitarian demining.

"The development of our own demining machines is a strategic direction. In 2022, Ukraine had no domestic demining equipment at all. Today, about a dozen Ukrainian manufacturers are developing and producing various types of machines and equipment for mine action," noted Ihor Bezkaravainyi, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine.

The new machine is designed for mechanical preparation of territories for clearance — it processes soil, destroys vegetation, and detonates surface explosive items. This makes further manual clearance significantly safer.

The testing is being conducted at a specialised testing ground under the supervision of the State Research Institute for Testing and Certification of Weapons and Military Equipment. The machine must demonstrate its ability to withstand mine detonations, effective soil processing, and reliable remote operation.

"We are creating machines that meet international standards but are adapted to Ukrainian conditions. Our advantage is that we can develop machines quickly, iterating on designs based on real operational feedback," said the machine's developer.

If the tests are successful, the machine will receive certification and will be approved for use in humanitarian demining. The manufacturer plans to launch serial production, which will increase the availability of domestic demining equipment for operators.

The development of domestic demining equipment reduces Ukraine's dependence on imported machines, creates jobs, and supports the national economy.